- Vance says athletes should expect “pushback” if they speak on politics
- Trump called skier Hunter Hess “a real Loser”
- Hess said he had “mixed emotions” representing the U.S.
- Political tensions surfaced at the Milan opening ceremony
- Debate reignites over activism at the Olympics
Vice President JD Vance warned U.S. Olympic athletes that entering political debates while competing on the world stage could invite criticism, saying, “You're not there to pop off about politics.”
Vance made the remarks Feb. 11 while returning from an overseas trip where he led the American delegation to the 2026 Winter Olympics. His comments came amid controversy involving US freestyle halfpipe skier Hunter Hess, who recently expressed unease about representing the United States during a politically turbulent time.
“So when Olympic athletes enter the political arena, they should expect some pushback,” Vance told reporters.
The debate escalated after Hess said he had “mixed emotions” about competing for Team USA. “There's obviously a lot going on that I'm not the biggest fan of,” Hess said, adding: “Wearing the flag doesn't mean I represent everything that's going on in the U.S.”
President Donald Trump responded sharply, calling Hess “a real Loser.” The skier later replied on social media, clarifying his stance: “I love my my country... but there are always things that could be better.” He continued: “One of the many things that makes this country so amazing is that we have the right and the freedom to point that out.”
Vance acknowledged that politics have long intersected with international sporting events but suggested that athletes should focus on unity rather than division while representing the nation abroad. His comments reflect a broader debate about the role of political expression at the Olympics, where athletes have increasingly used their platforms to comment on social and political issues.
Tensions surrounding U.S. politics were also visible during the opening ceremony at San Siro Stadium in Milan. When Vance appeared on the jumbotron, some members of the crowd reportedly booed.
The vice president downplayed the reaction. He said he “had a great time at the Olympics” and dismissed media coverage of the incident. “I think the media made much ado about nothing with the fact that, yes, in a crowd of 30,000 people, there were certainly some people who disagreed with my policies or the policies of the administration,” Vance said.
The episode highlights the ongoing tension between athletic competition and political expression, particularly during high-profile global events like the Winter Games. For some, the Olympics represent a rare opportunity for national unity; for others, they are an international platform where free speech should not be sidelined.
